Hydro-electric generating system

ABSTRACT

A hydroelectric generating system for a structure that generates electrical energy in two (2) ways, first, by utilizing a multi-megawatt wind turbine that is movably positioned on a track system that moves the turbine at or around the upper portion of the structure to desired locations along the track relative to the wind; second, by utilizing fluid power means operatively connected to the turbine to store power generated by the wind turbine by raising water.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSOREDRESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates generally to a hydro-electric generatingsystem for a tall structure that in the preferred embodiment, generateselectrical energy in two (2) ways, first, by utilizing a multi-megawattturbine wherein the turbine is positioned at or near the top exterior ofthe building, thereby causing increased wind shear. Said turbine ismovably positioned on a track system that transports the turbine into aposition to best utilize wind currents and for easy access formaintenance, repair and/or replacement purposes. Second, by utilizingfluid power.

[0005] 2. Background Information.

[0006] Wind as a source of energy and fluid power is a concept that hasbeen promoted for some time. Likewise, the United State Patent andTrademark Office has granted a number of patents on windmill and fluidpower devices. Despite continued research and development, no windturbine device has appropriately addressed some of the most importantproblems which have seemingly hindered this source of energy.

[0007] In the past, wind driven power generators of all sorts haveattempted to harness the energy present in the wind. However, no priorart has effectively resolved the problem of inadequate power productiondue to low to moderate wind speeds; or, on the other hand, resolve theconcerns related to common damage to the turbine caused by high speedwind. Further, wind turbines are commonly mounted at remote sites, tothe top of a tall tower by means of an extremely large crane. Thiscustomary method of mounting the wind turbine on the upper end of thetower is quite expensive. Further, access to the upper end of the towerfor turbine maintenance and repair is likewise expensive, difficult anddangerous to the installer. Thus, it is advantageous to be able tosafely access the wind turbine, and to access the turbine without theuse of the extremely large crane.

[0008] Other variables relating to the effectiveness of the wind turbineinclude not only wind velocity, but also changing weather patterns,seasonal variations, as well as the fact that wind rarely blows in thesame direction for any substantial length of time. To be cost effective,the turbine must fully utilize the entire range of wind conditions.

[0009] The present invention utilizes techniques which were notpreviously considered. The present invention has achieved a more fullutilization of a previously untapped precious natural resource, thewind. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the present inventionutilizes water power for power generation within the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention relates generally to a hydroelectric generatingsystem for a structure that, in the preferred embodiment generateselectrical energy in two (2) ways, first, by utilizing wind power with amulti-megawatt turbine, and second, by utilizing fluid power. Saidsystem including a wind turbine positioned on the exterior of thestructure, said turbine mechanically transported by a cart that ismovably mounted to a track situated around the upper exterior and withinthe structure, said transport means positions the turbine around theupper exterior of the structure in order to effectively utilize windturbulence, and further transports the turbine within the structure foreasy access. In the preferred embodiment, said system further includesan upper level reservoir having a fluid such as water therein, a lowerlevel reservoir having a fluid such as water therein, a first reversiblepump, a second pump means, a first and second conduit between the upperlevel reservoir of fluid and the lower level reservoir of fluid, a valveattached to the first conduit to direct the fluid flow from the upperlevel reservoir to the lower level reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, having theturbine situated on the upper exterior of a structure.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a view of the turbine and track of the system of FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention, having the turbinesituated on the top of the structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014]FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a hydroelectricgenerating system 200 made in accordance with the present invention.Such system 200 generates energy in two (2) ways, by utilizing windpower with a multi-megawatt turbine 7, and by utilizing fluid power.

[0015] The system 200 utilizes fluid power by including an upper levelreservoir 1, and a lower level reservoir 4. The upper level reservoir 1receives a fluid 2, such as water, from a fluid intake line 11 used todraw water from an outside water source (not shown), such as a body ofwater, or municipal utility, and further receives recycled fluid 2through the system 200 as will be discussed. The lower reservoir 4receives the fluid 2 from the upper reservoir 1 as the fluid 2 flowsthrough the system 200. The fluid 2 is then returned to the upperreservoir 1 and again recycled through the system 200.

[0016] The upper reservoir 1 is in communication with the lowerreservoir 4 by a first conduit 5 and a second conduit 9. The reservoirs1, 4 communicate with one another by conduits 5, 9 for recycling thefluid 2 flowing through the system 200.

[0017] Disposed adjacent to the lower reservoir 4 is a reversiblehydroelectric megawatt generator/pump 3 connected to the first conduit5, and a second pump 8 connected to the second conduit 9. Also adjacentto the lower level reservoir 4 is a cap 14 to release fluid from thelower reservoir 4 in order to maintain the level of fluid 2 in the lowerreservoir 4.

[0018] Referring now to the function of the reversible generator/pump 3shown in FIG. 1, said generator/pump 3 includes a wheel 33 and agenerator (not shown) disposed therein. The fluid 2 flows from the upperlevel reservoir 1 to the lower level reservoir 4 down-through theconduit 5 wherein it enters the generator/pump 3. The fluid 2 passingthrough the generator/pump 3 causes the wheel 33 within thegenerator/pump 3 to rotate. The said generator within the generator/pump3 converts the potential energy stored in the flowing fluid 2 intoelectrical energy which is applied to the system's 200 electrical means,generally referred to as numeral 12, which electrical means 12 is knownin the art. As will be further discussed, the electrical means 12supplies electrical power to the system 200, and supplies surpluselectrical power not required by the system 200 to an electrical grid 10outside the structure 100.

[0019] The fluid 2 then continues to pass through the generator/pump 3and down-through the conduit 5 into the lower reservoir 4 within thesystem 200. The fluid 2 is then pumped through the second conduit 9 bythe second pump 8 and returned to the upper reservoir 1. The fluid 2 isthen recycled to flow back through the system 200 as described above.

[0020] The generator in the generator/pump 3 converts the potentialenergy stored in the flowing fluid 2 into electrical energy which issupplied to the system's 200 electrical means 12. The generator in thegenerator/pump 3 is connected to the system's 200 electrical means 12,and such electrical means 12 supplies a first power source for the saidgenerator. In the event the system 200 generates electrical power notimmediately used by the system 200, any such surplus electrical energymay be supplied to the electrical grid 10 outside the structure, usingconnector means known in the art.

[0021] It is understood by one skilled in the art that a variety ofmethods may be used to supply the electrical energy generated to thesystem's 200 electrical means 12, as well as providing any surplusenergy generated by the system 200 to the electrical grid 10 outside thestructure 100. Further, the electrical means 12 may be provided by anexterior source to the system 200, such as the electrical system of thestructure 100, or may be directly contained within the system 200.

[0022] The reversible generator/pump 3 converts the potential energystored in the flowing fluid 2 into electrical energy used by the system200 and provided to the electrical grid 10 as discussed above. Duringtimes when there is little demand for such electrical energy, thegenerator/pump 3 serves as a pump to return fluid 2 from the lower levelreservoir 4 to the upper level reservoir 1 for recycling purposes.Specifically, the fluid 2 is pumped up-through the first conduit 5 bythe generator/pump 3 and returned to the upper reservoir 1.

[0023] Adjacent to the upper level reservoir 1 is a valve 6 mounted atthe upper portion of the conduit 5. Said valve 6 controls the supply offluid 2 from the upper level reservoir 1 down-through the conduit 5 intothe generator/pump 3 and the lower reservoir 4. Fluid 2 enters the upperreservoir 1 from the fluid intake 11. The fluid intake line 11 is usedto draw water from an outside water source (not shown), such as a bodyof water, or municipal utility. As such, in the event of fluidevaporation within the system 200, said fresh fluid 2 from an outsidesource enters the upper reservoir 1 from the fluid intake 11. Recycledfluid 2 is also received in the upper level reservoir 1 from the lowerlevel reservoir 4 via the second conduit 9, as well as the first conduit5 during periods of little demand for electrical energy. Such fluid 2 isdirected by the valve 6 to the first conduit 5 and to the generator/pump3 which turns the generator within the generator/pump 3 to produceelectricity.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the above described system 200 isinstalled within the structure 100. In order to best utilize the speedof the wind, at least one (1) said multi-megawatt wind turbine 7 isstrategically positioned on the exterior of the structure 100. As windspeed increases with height, the turbine 7 is positioned at or near thetop of the structure 100. Said turbine 7 is positionably transportedmechanically by a cart 30, said cart 30 having an upper portion 30A anda lower portion 30B, wherein said lower portion 30B is adapted to movealong a track 20, which track 20 having at least one rail 21 positionedat or around the top exterior of the structure 100. Although said track20 may operate with one rail 21, it is preferred that said track 20 becomprised of a pair of horizontally spaced apart rails 21. Said track 20may be mounted around the upper exterior of the structure 100 as shownin FIG. 1, or may be mounted around the top exterior of the structure100, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] The upper portion 30A of the cart 30 is releasably secured to thebottom portion 30B at joint 33. The various methods of releasablyattaching upper portion 30A to lower portion 30B are known in the art.The upper portion 30A, when released from the lower portion 30B, isadapted to move along a second track 20A having at least one rail 21A,which second track 20A continues within the structure 100 through anaccess port 200, illustrated in FIG. 2. The upper portion 30A includesthe turbine 7 and the turbine's 7 components as will be described. As aresult, access to the turbine 7, such as for maintenance purposes, isaccomplished from within the structure 100 by simply tracking the upperportion 30A of the cart 30 carrying the turbine 7 in and out of thestructure 100 on the track 20A through the access port 200 of thestructure 100. A user is not required to access the turbine 7, forexample for maintenance purposes, from the exterior of the structure 100which would be dangerous. The user has access to the turbine 7 fromwithin the structure 100 or atop the structure 100, protected from theelements and the heights. In addition, the turbine 7 is movablypositioned around the upper exterior of the structure 100 on the track20 in order to utilize the varying direction of the wind. It isunderstood by one skilled in the art that a variety of methods may beused to mount the turbine 7 to the upper portion 30A of the cart 30, andto attach the tracks 20 and 20A to the structure 100 as described.

[0026] The turbine 7 includes conventional components, including blades7A, a rotating mount 7B, a gear box (not shown), and a base portion 75,illustrated in FIG. 2, which is secured to the upper portion 30A of thecart 30. The turbine 7 further includes a generator 77 within thegearbox, and is connected to the second pump 8 via conductor lines 13,as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The generator 77 of the turbine 7 convertsthe potential energy caused by the rotation of the blades 7A of theturbine 7 into electrical energy which is applied to the system's 200electrical means 12.

[0027] The upper portion 30A and the lower portion 30B of the cart 30each include a frame 31 having at least one roller 32 to facilitate themovement of the cart 30. Mechanical means for moving the cart 30 alongthe tracks 20 and 20A is known in the art.

[0028] The generator/pump 3 and the pump 8 are first powered by theelectrical means 12 within the system 200, but may receive a secondpower source external to the system 200 via the electrical grid 10outside the structure 100.

[0029] The preferred embodiment of the described system 200 includes aself-contained power source generated by the potential energy stored inthe flowing fluid 2, and the potential energy generated by the turbine7. However, the system 200 may also receive electrical power from theelectrical grid 10 outside the structure 100.

[0030] In operation, the upper level reservoir 1 of the system 200 isfilled with a predetermined amount of fluid 2 necessary for the system200 to operate. The upper level reservoir 1 receives the fluid 2 fromeither the fluid intake line 11 used to draw fresh fluid 2 from anoutside source such as a body of water, or municipal utility; or, theupper level reservoir 1 receives the recycled fluid 2 from the lowerlevel reservoir 4 as previously described.

[0031] The generator/pump 3 and pump 8 are turned on, and the valve 6 isopened thereby causing the generator/pump 3 to receive fluid 2 from theupper level reservoir 1 to the lower level reservoir 4. As the conduit 5receives the fluid 2 from the upper level reservoir 1, and as the fluid2 passes therethrough, the fluid 2 enters the generator/pump 3 causingit to engage and turn the wheel 33 within the generator/pump 3. Thewheel 33 is connected to the generator within the generator/pump 3 whichconverts the energy of the flowing fluid 2 turning the wheel 33 intoelectrical energy. The generator within the generator/pump 3 thenapplies the said electrical energy to the system's 200 electrical means12 which provides the electrical energy to operate the generator/pump 3.The fluid 2 passes down-through the conduit 5 and into the lower levelreservoir 4. The fluid 2 in the lower level reservoir 4 is then pumpedup-through the second conduit 9 by the pump means 8 and is returned tothe upper level reservoir 1. The fluid 2 is then recycled through thesystem 200.

[0032] Once the fluid 2 reaches the upper level reservoir 1, the processis repeated as the fluid 2 is again downwardly directed through conduit5 towards the lower level reservoir 4.

[0033] Further, wind shear on the exterior of the structure 100 willcause the blades 7A of the turbine 7 to turn. The generator 77 of theturbine 7 is electrically connected to the second pump 8 via theconductor lines 13. The generator 77 of the turbine 7 converts thepotential energy caused by the rotation of the blades 7A of the turbine7 into electrical energy which is applied to the system's 200 electricalmeans 12. The turbine 7 may be used in conjunction with the fluid flowprocess described herein to produce energy within the system 200, or maybe used independent of the fluid flow process.

[0034] Excess power generated from the system 200 may be passed to theelectrical grid 10 outside the structure 100. Likewise, thegenerator/pump 3 and the pump 8 of the system 200 may accept electricalenergy from the utility network's electrical grid 10 outside thestructure 100.

[0035] The structure 100 having a sufficient wall thickness and designto provide sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for theabove-described components mounted to both the inside and outside of thestructure 100.

[0036] Although the description above contains many specificities, theseshould not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims in the formal application and theirlegal equivalence, rather than by the examples given.

I claim:
 1. A hydroelectric generating system for generating electricalenergy from wind passing a structure, comprising: a wind turbineincluding a base portion, blades, and a generator; fluid power meansoperatively connected to the turbine to store power generated by saidwind turbine by raising water; electric power means for connectingelectrical power generated by the turbine with a power grid; a trackpositioned at or around an upper portion of the structure; a cart havinga frame, said frame having at least one roller adapted to facilitatemovement of the cart along the track; wherein the base portion of theturbine is secured to the cart for movement of the cart and turbine todesired locations along the track relative to the wind.
 2. Thehydroelectric generating system as recited in claim 1, wherein the fluidpower means further comprising: an upper level reservoir; a lower levelreservoir; said upper level reservoir is connected to said lower levelreservoir by a first conduit and a second conduit; a reversiblegenerator/pump connected to the first conduit and adjacent to the lowerreservoir; a valve located adjacent to the upper level reservoir;wherein the upper level reservoir receives fluid from an outside watersource and further receives fluid through the system; wherein the lowerreservoir receives the fluid from the upper reservoir as the fluid flowsthrough the system; said reversible generator/pump having a wheel and agenerator, an electrical means to supply electrical power to the system,wherein the fluid passes through the reversible generator/pump andthrough the conduit into the lower reservoir and the fluid is thenpumped through the second conduit by the second pump means and returnedto the upper reservoir and is recycled to flow back through the system,wherein the generator of the reversible generator/pump converts thepotential energy stored in the flowing fluid into electrical energywhich is supplied to the system's said electrical means; wherein thegenerator of the reversible generator/pump converts the potential energystored in the flowing fluid into electrical energy which is supplied tothe power grid; wherein the reversible generator/pump converts potentialstored energy in the flowing fluid into electrical energy and serves asa pump to return fluid from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoirfor recycling.
 3. The method of generating electrical energy from windpassing a structure, comprising the steps of: positioning a track havingat least one rail at or around the upper portion of the structure;mounting a cart on the track, wherein the cart having at least oneroller to facilitate movement of the cart on the track; securing a windturbine on said cart; positioning the cart and the wind turbine todesired locations along the track relative to the wind; applyingelectrical power means for connecting electrical power generated by thewind turbine with a power grid.